(Ubuntu)(Dell XPS) Audio cutting out

[hhopkins]

OS version: Ubuntu 24.04.2 LTS

Zoom version: 6.4.6 (1370)

Hardware: Dell XPS 9320 Laptop, using integrated mic and speakers.

Problem: During Zoom meetings, my sound and microphone will abruptly stop working. When this happens, if I go into audio settings and click "Test Speaker" no sound plays. My microphone still transmits sound, but it becomes very distorted and low quality. This state can usually be fixed by leaving and rejoining the Zoom meeting. It also seems to have a chance of being fixed every time I swap speaker devices in the Zoom settings. I can usually trigger this state by sharing screen or otherwise swapping focus away from Zoom.

I don't have this issue with any software other than Zoom. I have a suspicion that this is a Pipewire/Wireplumber issue, but I don't understand enough about how Zoom interacts with those to troubleshoot. I haven't found any transparent documentation about that.

Troubleshooting steps I have tried:

1. Checking that I am not muted, and toggling audio options like background noise removal. This happens regardless.

2. Restarting the computer and Zoom.

Thanks and let me know if there's any more helpful info that I can give.

[hhopkins · Accepted solution]

This seems to be fixed in Zoom version 6.5.3.